We flew Icelandic Air with a short layover in Reykjavik and then onto Paris. I have to say that the flight attendants and the passenger support people couldn’t have been nicer. Every step along the way they were looking out for our comfort, helping with carry-ons, etc., even before we had a chance to ask. It was also service with a smile. Took the angst out of flying. Also made getting around effortless.

Although Iceland is not part of the EU, it is part of the Schengen Agreement which means we pass through passport control in Iceland, avoiding the long lines at Charles De Gaulle airport. In addition, these flight come into the domestic terminal avoiding the madness at the international terminal. I don’t know if it would makes up for a 1 1/2 hour stopover in Iceland for everyone, addinging time onto the overall trip, but it makes sense for us.

Getting a cab at the airport is a civil and orderly process — no one need fear being cheated. As a way of combating UBER – the government (or someone) fixed taxi prices from the airport to Paris. One price for destinations on the right bank and one for the left bank. The left is further away so we pay a bit more. It was 62 euros – on the meter, fixed. We gave the driver a good tip – which he appreciated since most people barely tip taxi drivers. (Usually 3-5 euros is enough.) Our driver was so good — and it took a long time getting through traffic so we gave him 10 euros. His eyes popped!

It has been close to 6 months since we’ve been here — seems like more. We opened the door to our apartment and walked in with a sigh of relief, “We’re home!” I don’t know why, but this little place of ours feels like home. Maybe it is that we have our stuff all around here. Remember comedian George Carlin’s hilarious monologue about stuff? He captures the essence and the humor of it exactly. (It is on You Tube — take a listen and have a good chuckle). Or, maybe it is that our neighbors filled our refrigerator with food to get us through a couple of days, or that our housekeeper had been in and made the place shine. It said WELCOME! and felt so good.

We arrived on Thursday and slept until early afternoon on Friday. Wanting to get out and walk a bit we made our way down to a Lebanese grocery where we picked up some authentic Armenian lavash (paper thin sheets of bread) that we cannot get in the U.S., Feeling a bit hungry we sat down to a plate of appetizers all prepared right there. No — we did not eat any of the pastries. It would be too soon to give into that — too many croissants and French pastries are still ahead. Just opposite the restaurant you can see a garden and park on that busy corner. There is a statue of a lion growling in the middle of it. Next time I’ll walk over to see what it signifies, if anything.

I bit further down the street we passed a pharmacy that also sells herbs and alternative medicines. This was the window display. I have no idea what these herbs are. The ledger I assumed was from times passed.

We live close to UNESCO. Last night all museums were open until midnight — and were free. UNESCO had a light show as well – open and free without invitation (which you usually need to get in there). I was hoping we might get over to see it, but no way – we folded after dinner. Below is one small part of UNESCO – it takes up a huge city block.

The next day I was awake enough to get down to the market to do some shopping. As I’ve reported in the past, these street markets are mind-boggling in the variety of fresh produce, fish, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods available. Vendors from various regions come with the products they produce – cheeses, breads, wines, fruits to mention some of what they bring. Even on the Cape we don’t see the variety of fish displayed here. And how about the potatoes? How many different kinds there are – and each has its specific use depending on the dish being prepared. (That’s about all I know!)

Below is our bread man. He knows George and me well and never fails to give a warm welcome. Today he asked about George not seeing him around. I bought two baguettes and a lemon pound cake. Over the next three hours he will sell almost everything you see in the photo.

I started to get weary so didn’t do the usual tour of the entire market which would take at least 45 minutes. I did stop to take a photo of this processed meat counter. You’ll see the asparagus, too, once I get it home. White asparagus that looks like firecrackers — enormous — but tender and delicious.

More to follow in the next few days. But now to bed as it is 10 pm. I just finished Osman’s The Bullet That Missed, third in the Thursday Murder Club series. For pure fun and good entertainment I highly recommend the series. Happy Mother’s Day to all!!